Dorothy Prior chosen to lead new BBC production drive

Dorothy Prior, Controller of CBBC, is to take up a new role spearheading the drive to deliver more effective production and resource management across the BBC, and offering audiences increased value for money.
Reporting to Mark Thompson, Director-General, Dorothy Prior becomes Controller of Production Resources and will lead the work going on to increase efficiency and effectiveness throughout all production.
She will work with production teams to ensure that in-house production makes the best use of resources and technology to deliver innovative ideas and approaches to programme making.
In her new role, Ms Prior will play a major part in Mark Thompson's drive to transform the BBC.
She will seek out and champion new ways of working, will spearhead the exchange of information about developments in production management and will explore ways of improving production methods.
She will liaise closely with the central change@bbc team and with colleagues in Resources, Technology and Finance.
Mark Thompson said: "This is a very important role for the BBC. Getting the best possible value for money that we can out of production, while still producing excellent content, must be a key priority for us.
"Dot's many achievements include delivering two hugely successful children's channels which have helped pioneer innovative and effective approaches in production and the use of resources. This experience will be of enormous value in her new role."
Dorothy Prior said: "Working for CBBC has been a genuine passion for me but, in the end, it was just impossible to turn down what is a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of the whole organisation and really try to help production teams everywhere.
"I leave CBBC with real sadness as I have been working with the best team in the business, and we have created something unique for young audiences which they love.
"I know that the channels and CBBC as a whole will continue to go from strength to strength - not least with the increased investment in programming that Mark has already announced and I will help to deliver through my new job."
Alan Yentob, Director of Drama, Entertainment and CBBC, said: "Dot has led CBBC with real energy and commitment, and she has been a passionate champion on behalf of her young audience in delivering award-winning programmes backed by strong business management.
"She has a natural understanding of programme making and will be a great success in her new role - I am sorry to lose her."
Dorothy Prior will begin her new role in May and the search for her successor will begin immediately.
(GB)